Do I need to give a birthday present??

[hazlinh]

Ok don't know if this will sound petty, so apols in advance if it is...but I just want to know what is the proper or correct etiquette...

Dd (5)'s school allows birthday parties (on a small scale) at school on Thursdays. Basically you send out invites to all the children letting them know of the date and so they can bring a pressie. The teachers organise simple games like musical chairs and Pass the parcel and then everyone gets cake afterwards. The birthday child's parents also normally give out a party pack or one toy/book.

I had one for DD in August, and I made a list of all the presents we received to send out thank you notes. A few children however, had not given presents, but were in school that day. I thought maybe their parents had had no time to buy the presents, and one child did give DD a present the following week, but some did not.

My dilemma: One of the kids who didn't give DD anything, had a party yesterday. I didn't buy anything, partly because I have been too busy at work and haven't had time, and I wasn't sure if I should bother. Or should I?

TIA, and sorry if this is a stupid question.

[ben5]

i would only give a present if my child is friends with the birthday child. it gets very expensive if you have to send in a present for every child.

[seeker]

I would always giver a present if my child was at the party, but it would be something little. I have a stash of presents bought in sales and from pound shops and things (all really nice, I might add - just not expensive!) so that I've always got something to wrap up if I need a present at short notice.

[dilemma456]

Message withdrawn

[hazlinh]

ok thanks all, for your feedback

[plimple]

I'd ask DC if they wanted to give a present and then give from my cheapo stash. Your DC may not even like the party child. You can't like everyone in a class of 20/30.

[hazlinh]

that's a good point and very true plimple